Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s leading hospitality firm, has successfully registered a sound mark for the Taj sonic sound, marking a pioneering step in brand protection within the Indian hospitality sector. This registration legally safeguards the brand’s unique sonic identity, recognizing sound as a vital brand asset.

Rajendra Misra, Executive Vice President and General Counsel at IHCL, commented, “Being recognized as the world’s strongest hotel brand carries with it the responsibility to lead all facets including how brand equity is protected. This sound mark registration reinforces our position as a pioneer in brand protection, reflecting a forward-looking approach to intellectual property that aligns with the evolving ways in which guests engage with and connect with our brands.”

In today’s experience-driven market, sonic branding is crucial for creating emotional connections and enhancing consumer recall beyond visual elements. As hospitality brands delve into multi-sensory experiences, sound has become a key element in building trust and familiarity.

Previously, Taj secured trademark protection for the three-dimensional shape of the Taj Mahal Hotel in Bombay, highlighting its commitment to safeguarding its heritage through innovative intellectual property strategies. IHCL was represented by Fidus Law Chambers, led by Managing Partner Shwetasree Majumder.

IHCL, founded by Jamsetji Tata, operates a portfolio of 610 hotels, with 253 more in the pipeline across four continents and 14 countries. It is listed on the BSE and NSE, further cementing its status as India’s largest hospitality company by market capitalization.